Page 47 of Forever a Thief

“Then what’re we waiting for?” I snap. “Let’s go!”

Chapter Eighteen: Savannah

On the ride back to Voss’s apartment, I begin to feel worse and worse. What began as dizziness spirals into a migraine and then waves of stomach cramps cripple me.

“Hang on, chérie,” Rhys whispers, holding me close. “We’re almost there.”

Things begin to get fuzzy and I lose track of where everyone is. But I remember Brighton getting behind the wheel and she drives like a maniac. But a maniac with the utmost control, if that makes any sense.

The SUV takes a sharp turn, and I cling to Rhys, fighting through nausea and pretty sure the car is balancing on two wheels. I have no idea how this is going to end, but the amazing man holding me so close has changed me in the best possible ways. Thanks to him and this incredible journey, I’ve grown in confidence. And I’ve grown into myself.

Past mistakes don’t define me. Not anymore. It’s time to let go and move on.

Looking up at Rhys through blurry eyes, I realize there’s no one else I’d like to move on with more than him. He’s so much more than what he shows, and when he looks down at me with so much concern in his vivid green eyes, I swear I get a glimpse of his soul. And it’s beautiful.

His hand trails down the back of my head, stroking, and his fingers thread through my hair. “You’re going to be okay,” he keeps whispering.

I appreciate his reassurance so much. But I’m not sure he’s right, because with each passing minute, I feel worse. Like acid is eating me up from the inside out. Squeezing my eyes shut, I curl up, clutching my stomach.

“Savvy? Savvy!”

I jolt upright and think I must’ve passed out for a minute. Rhys is shaking me, voice and eyes laced in panic, and I lay a hand against his stubbled jaw. “Can I tell you something, my forever thief?” I lightly skim my finger over his lips. Lips I’ve loved kissing so much.

“Anything,” he rasps.

“You might’ve stolen my heart, but I’d give it to you a thousand more times.”

His green eyes shimmer. “Savvy—”

“We’re here!” Brighton announces, slamming to a stop.

My reality begins to slip away as blackness edges in, and my hand falls away from his face. He catches it, squeezing. “I’m going to carry you up. I’ve got you, Savvy. Stay with me. You’re so strong. Don’t leave me.” His voice cracks.

I’m so weak, so dizzy. It’s like I’m fading away. Suddenly, my limbs don’t work and I’m scared to close my eyes. Because if I do, I’m terrified I won’t ever open them again. I won’t ever see Rhys’s handsome face or what looks like love shining in his stunning emerald eyes.

“Rhys,” I whisper raggedly, fighting the heaviness trying to pull me under. “I…love…you.”

There. At least I got the words out. If they’re the last words I say, I’m perfectly okay with that. Then the darkness closes in and I lose consciousness.

Chapter Nineteen: Laurent

The moment Savannah’s eyes close, the only light in my life goes out. It’s as though my world grinds to a halt and the most precious thing I’ve known is gone.

But no, I won’t let it happen. Throwing my door open, I gather her in my arms and follow Voss, who Knox and Addie are keeping a close watch on, into the apartment building. Brighton remains down with the car, while Ryder, Delaney and Hunter are still dealing with Voss’s thugs.

They’ll all be taken care of soon, but right now, the only thing left to do is get the antidote.

Voss’s apartment is exactly what I expected—an ultra-luxurious penthouse located fifty floors up, and beyond excessive. And that’s saying a lot considering I’m a guy who enjoys a bit of excess now and then. I gently lay Savannah down on the cream couch then turn to Addie. “Stay with her, please.”

“Of course.” She sits on the edge of a black marble coffee table. My legs don’t want to move, and I cast one last lingering look over my shoulder at the sight of Addie taking care of my Savvy. This is all my fault. My heart constricts painfully.

Knox and I follow Voss into his large office, and he strolls over to the far wall like we have all the fucking time in the world. I’m about to lose my mind and I think he’s enjoying it immensely. As soon as I get that antidote, I’m going to knock him upside the head with my fist. I wish Linc was here to help me. I’d take great pleasure in watching the huge man turn Voss into a human piñata.

He moves several books aside on a massive built-in bookshelf to reveal a safe. It’s neatly tucked away behind hardbacks he’s probably never read, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Savannah has. She’s such a little booklover, and I love that about her. When this is all over, I’m going to build her the biggest library she’s ever seen with massive floor-to-ceiling shelves she can fill to her heart’s desire. And rolling ladders—at least four. Every book-loving heart needs those, right? A part of me thinks I can go even bigger. I wonder if I could buy her the New York Public Library?

The important thing is she told me she loves me. My heart hitches at the memory. Her declaration gives me the fuel to finish this, because then we can focus on a life together. Wherever that life is, I don’t care. As long as she’s with me, I could live on the moon. Because Savannah is the only oxygen I need to breathe.

The door to the safe swings open and Voss reaches inside, removing a small glass vial. All I can focus on is the glass part. If he drops it, it will hit the hardwood floor and shatter, rendering the precious liquid inside useless.